Contract Youth Services Worker

Kunuwanimano Child & Family Services • Hearst, ON

2d • CA$56,874 - CA$67,356 • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Services Worker will engage youth in decision-making and promote voluntary participation in services. This role involves assessing youth strengths, needs, risks, and transition readiness, and developing youth-centered plans aligned with transition-to-adulthood goals. The position provides culturally responsive supports, facilitates connections to culture, identity, family, and community, and assists youth in securing and maintaining safe, stable, and appropriate housing. Additionally, the role supports educational planning, school engagement, and pathways to training, employment, or post-secondary opportunities, as well as the development of life and self-management skills to promote independence. The worker will also support youth in developing and maintaining relationships with caring adults and community members, provide coaching, advocacy, and safety planning, and connect youth to appropriate crisis, clinical, or specialized services. Responsibilities include organizing and participating in public education seminars, workshops, and training, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting youth leaving care to navigate adult service systems. The role involves providing information and referrals, planning and delivering individualized and group-based supports, identifying and addressing systemic barriers, and developing effective working relationships with community agencies, school boards, and service providers. The position also includes liaison and system navigation support for youth and participation in committees and working groups to promote positive outcomes. Advocacy for youth rights and ensuring needs are met in accordance with legislation and agency policies are key aspects of this role, along with other duties as directed relating to youth transition to independence.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in social work, youth services, or a related field.
• Previous experience within First Nations communities.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with at-risk youth, preferably within First Nations communities and/or child welfare.
• Experience in harm reduction, safety planning, crisis intervention, and supporting youth transitions.
• Experience working with Indigenous youth and knowledge of issues impacting at-risk youth in urban and rural environments
• Must be willing to work flexible hours.
• Must be willing to travel and cover the entire District and have access to a reliable vehicle with a $2 million rider liability.
• Must produce clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Must possess a valid “G” Ontario driver’s licence.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth in decision-making and promote voluntary participation in services.
• Assess youth strengths, needs, risks, and transition readiness, and develop youth-centred plans aligned with transition-to-adulthood goals.
• Provide culturally responsive supports and facilitate connection to culture, identity, family, and community.
• Support youth in securing and maintaining safe, stable, and appropriate housing, including tenancy readiness, housing applications, landlord engagement, and connection to housing resources.
• Coordinate and support educational planning, school engagement, and pathways to training, employment, or post-secondary opportunities.
• Support the development of life and self-management skills (e.g., financial literacy, housing readiness, daily living skills) to promote independence.
• Support youth in developing and maintaining relationships with caring adults and community members.
• Provide coaching, advocacy, and safety planning, and connect youth to appropriate crisis, clinical, or specialized services as required.
• Organize and participate in public education seminars, workshops, and training for youth, families, and service providers.
• Maintain accurate documentation, service statistics, and reporting in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Support youth leaving care to identity, access and navigate adult service systems relevant to their needs, and transition to adulthood.
• Provide information and referrals for individual youth that address individual needs and support/reinforce strengths.
• Plan and deliver individualized and group-based supports that align with identified goals across key life domains.
• Identify and address systemic barriers that prevent youth from succeeding, advocating for equitable opportunities and resources.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, school boards, and service providers.
• Provide liaison and system navigation support for youth to access services in a culturally responsive and timely manner.
• Participate in committees, working groups, and community events to promote positive outcomes for youth.
• Advocate for youth rights and ensure their needs are met in accordance with legislation and agency policies.
• Other duties as directed relating to the success of youth transition to independence.

Benefits

• Opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team with career growth across multiple departments.
• Job security
• Competitive wages
• Safe working environment
• Training opportunities
• A defined contribution benefit pension plan (OMERS)
• Comprehensive Health Plan including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance.
• Competitive vacation leaves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree